Introduction

Home cooking has never been easier, more exciting, or filled with as much potential, A mere generation ago-in many parts of the country a mere ten years ago—if you wanted soy sauce or miso, you went to an Asian market; if you wanted decent olive oil or mozzarella, you went to an Italian market; and if you wanted bulgur or phyllo, you went to a Middle Eastern market. Now all those ingredients, and many more, are routinely available at supermarkets throughout North America. Creating a well-stocked international pantry may still require some time and work-your supermarket may not carry miso, curry paste, or chipotles (though many do)-but lots of formerly exotic items are widely available. And the international pantry-which requires only occasional replenishment-enables the home cook to vary his or her cuisine with almost no work.